Veronica McDermott is a lifelong educator and passionate ally in the cause of social justice, whose legacy project is to eradicate the crime of squandered potential. Her areas of focus include technology, special education, and literacy. Her previous roles in education include superintendent of schools in the Patchogue-Medford School District, Long Island, New York, elementary school principal, secondary school teacher, and director of K–12 English and Reading programs. McDermott has also taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in higher education. She has presented at national and international conferences, facilitated workshops, and has published her work in several professional journals.